December isn’t just about Christmas and New Year’s celebrations—it’s a month packed with delicious food holidays that deserve a spot on your calendar! From National Cookie Day to National Bacon Day, this festive month offers the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite treats while creating memorable moments with loved ones.
We’ve rounded up the most mouth-watering food holidays in December that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast, comfort food lover, or culinary explorer, there’s something to satisfy every craving. These food-centric celebrations provide the ideal opportunity to try new recipes, support local eateries, or simply treat yourself during the busy holiday season.
7 Delicious Food Holidays to Celebrate in December
1. National Cookie Day (December 4th)
Kick off your December food celebrations with National Cookie Day on the 4th. This beloved holiday encourages everyone to enjoy their favorite cookies, whether store-bought or homemade. Many bakeries and cookie shops offer special promotions on this day, making it the perfect opportunity to try new flavors. You can also host a cookie swap party with friends, where each person brings a dozen cookies to share and exchange recipes. Popular choices include classic chocolate chip, festive gingerbread, and seasonal peppermint varieties that capture the essence of the holidays.
2. National Brownie Day (December 8th)
Treat yourself to rich, decadent brownies on December 8th for National Brownie Day. These chocolate squares have earned their own special recognition due to their universal appeal and versatility. Many restaurants feature special brownie desserts on this day, while cafes often offer discounts on their brownie selections. Creating a brownie bar at home with different toppings like ice cream, caramel sauce, and crushed candy canes can turn this food holiday into a memorable event for family and friends.
3. National Cocoa Day (December 13th)
Warm up with a mug of hot chocolate on December 13th to celebrate National Cocoa Day. This comforting beverage is the perfect companion for cold winter evenings and holiday movie marathons. Gourmet coffee shops typically reveal special cocoa flavors during this time, featuring additions like peppermint, cinnamon, or hazelnut. Setting up a hot cocoa station at home with marshmallows, whipped cream, and flavor syrups allows everyone to customize their perfect cup while embracing this cozy food holiday.
4. National Cupcake Day (December 15th)
Indulge your sweet tooth on December 15th with National Cupcake Day. These individual cakes have maintained their popularity due to their perfect portion size and endless flavor possibilities. Bakeries across the country celebrate with special flavors and promotions, making it an ideal time to explore local cupcake shops. Creating a family cupcake decorating contest can add a fun, creative element to this food holiday while producing delicious treats everyone will enjoy.
5. National Bacon Day (December 30th)
Savor the savory goodness of bacon on December 30th for National Bacon Day. This versatile ingredient has cultivated a devoted following that extends beyond breakfast to every meal of the day. Many restaurants feature bacon-centric specials, from bacon-wrapped appetizers to bacon desserts. Hosting a bacon-themed brunch with items like bacon waffles, bacon jam, and bacon Bloody Marys provides a delicious way to celebrate this food holiday just before the new year begins.
6. National Champagne Day (December 31st)
Toast to the end of the year on December 31st with National Champagne Day. This sparkling celebration coincides perfectly with New Year’s Eve festivities. Wine shops frequently offer special pricing on champagne and sparkling wines during this time, while restaurants create champagne cocktails and pairings for the occasion. Creating a champagne tasting with different varieties and complementary foods like cheese, chocolate, and fresh fruit makes for an elegant celebration of this effervescent food holiday.
7. National Whipped Cream Day (December 27th)
Celebrate the fluffy goodness of whipped cream on December 27th for National Whipped Cream Day. This versatile topping enhances everything from hot beverages to decadent desserts. Coffee shops often feature whipped cream specials on this day, with flavored options like vanilla, chocolate, or peppermint. Creating a dessert board with various treats that pair well with whipped cream – including pies, fruit, and hot chocolate – offers a delightful way to honor this creamy food holiday during the post-Christmas season.
National Cookie Day: Baking Up December Traditions
History and Significance of Cookie Day
National Cookie Day falls on December 4th, giving us all the perfect excuse to indulge in our favorite sweet treats. The fascinating history of cookies dates back to 7th century Persia, where sugar was first introduced to cookie making. While cookies have been enjoyed for centuries, this delicious holiday gained official recognition in 1987 thanks to Matt Nader of the Blue Chip Cookie Company in San Francisco. The celebration has since become a beloved tradition encouraging baking enthusiasts and novices alike to create, share, and savor cookies of all varieties. These sweet treats have secured their place as essential components of baking traditions worldwide, crossing cultural boundaries with their universal appeal.
Popular Cookie Recipes to Try
Ready to celebrate National Cookie Day with some freshly baked treats? We’ve gathered some must-try cookie recipes that will make your December celebrations even sweeter:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: America’s undisputed favorite continues to reign supreme with its perfect balance of sweet dough and melty chocolate chunks. These crowd-pleasers are remarkably simple to prepare yet consistently delight guests of all ages.
- Sugar Cookies: The ultimate canvas for creative decorating, these versatile classics can be customized for any holiday theme. Their simple flavor profile makes them perfect for frosting, sprinkles, and festive shapes.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Looking for something slightly healthier? These chewy, textured treats combine wholesome oats with naturally sweet raisins for a cookie that feels almost virtuous.
- Matcha or Vegan Cookies: Modern bakers will appreciate these contemporary options that cater to exact dietary needs or flavor preferences. Matcha cookies offer a unique earthy flavor with beautiful green coloring, while vegan varieties ensure everyone can join in the cookie day festivities.
National Brownie Day: Chocolatey Goodness in Winter
December 8th marks National Chocolate Brownie Day, inviting dessert enthusiasts to celebrate this rich, fudgy treat during the cozy winter season. This beloved chocolate dessert perfectly complements the festive atmosphere of December.
The Origin of Brownies
Brownies have a distinctly American heritage, first appearing at Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel in 1893. Created specifically for the Industry’s Columbian Exposition, these original brownies were designed as portable desserts for boxed lunches. The initial recipe featured walnuts and an apricot glaze, quite different from today’s familiar version. Early 20th-century cookbooks introduced the fudgy, chocolate-forward brownie that has become a staple in American households. This transformation established brownies as one of America’s most cherished dessert contributions, combining simplicity with rich, indulgent flavor.
Festive Brownie Variations for the Holidays
December’s festive atmosphere inspires many seasonal brownie adaptations that capture winter flavors. Peppermint brownies incorporate crushed candy canes or peppermint extract into the batter or frosting, creating a refreshing chocolate mint combination perfect for holiday gatherings. Salted caramel brownies feature decadent layers of smooth caramel sauce balanced with flaky sea salt, adding complexity to the chocolate base. Eggnog brownies embrace traditional holiday spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, topped with an eggnog-infused glaze that transforms the classic brownie into a Christmas-worthy dessert. These variations make National Brownie Day an excellent opportunity to experiment with seasonal ingredients while enjoying this beloved chocolate treat during the festive winter months.
Gingerbread House Day: Crafting Edible Architecture
While Gingerbread House Day is typically observed on December 11 or 12, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t appear on the official 2025 food holiday calendar. Nevertheless, this beloved tradition offers a perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and baking skills during the festive season.
Tips for Building the Perfect Gingerbread House
Creating a sturdy gingerbread house starts with selecting fresh, quality ingredients for your dough, particularly molasses, ginger, and other aromatic spices. Before baking any components, sketch out a simple design for your edible structure to serve as a blueprint throughout the construction process. Baking at the precise temperature is crucial for structural integrity, preventing your walls from crumbling when assembled. Homemade royal icing functions as the ideal “cement” for your construction project, providing both strong bonds and decorative elements. Begin with the simplest components first by assembling the walls and allowing them to set completely before attempting to attach the more challenging roof pieces. Many experienced builders recommend preparing all house pieces a day in advance to ensure they’re completely cool and firm before assembly begins.
Creative Decoration Ideas
Transform your gingerbread creation into a winter wonderland using an array of candies, colored icing, and even fresh fruits as decorative elements. Traditional favorites include using peppermint candies for pathways, pretzel sticks for fences, shredded coconut for snow, and gumdrops for ornamental shrubs. Create realistic-looking icicles by allowing royal icing to drip from roof edges and set in place. Chocolate bars make excellent doorways and window shutters, while colored piping gel can create the illusion of stained glass windows when applied to cut-out openings. Consider incorporating a theme into your design such as a woodland cottage with fondant animal figures or a coastal beach house with blue icing water and graham cracker sand. LED tea lights placed inside can add a magical glow to your finished masterpiece, highlighting your detailed decoration work while creating a cozy atmosphere that captures the essence of the holiday season.
National Cocoa Day: Warming Up Winter Evenings
December 12th marks National Cocoa Day, providing the perfect opportunity to embrace the cozy comfort of this beloved winter beverage. This delightful holiday arrives just as winter temperatures drop, making it the ideal time to wrap your hands around a steaming mug of chocolatey goodness.
Gourmet Hot Chocolate Recipes
Elevating your hot chocolate experience begins with selecting high-quality ingredients for truly exceptional flavor. Dark chocolate offers a rich, complex taste profile that transforms ordinary cocoa into something special. Adding a splash of vanilla extract enhances the chocolate notes while creating depth of flavor. Caramel syrup drizzled into your hot chocolate creates a decadent sweetness that pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of quality cocoa. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce exciting flavor dimensions to your cocoa. Topping your creation with homemade whipped cream, marshmallows, or shaved chocolate turns a simple beverage into an Instagram-worthy treat that tastes as good as it looks.
Boozy Cocoa Variations for Adults
Transforming hot chocolate into an adults-only treat requires just a splash of your favorite spirit. Rum blends seamlessly with cocoa’s sweetness, creating a warming combination perfect for chilly December evenings. Bourbon adds a sophisticated oak and vanilla undertone that complements dark chocolate varieties particularly well. Kahlúa introduces coffee notes that enhance chocolate’s natural flavors while adding a pleasant boozy kick. Peppermint schnapps can create a festive holiday drink reminiscent of candy canes when stirred into hot chocolate. Bailey’s Irish Cream offers a smooth, creamy addition that enriches the cocoa’s texture while providing subtle whiskey notes. Remember to enjoy these adult variations responsibly while celebrating National Cocoa Day in style.
National Maple Syrup Day: Sweet Winter Celebrations
December 17th marks National Maple Syrup Day, a delicious celebration of one of nature’s sweetest gifts during the winter season. This special food holiday honors the rich, amber liquid that transforms ordinary breakfast items into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Traditional and Modern Uses for Maple Syrup
Maple syrup has been a breakfast staple for generations, traditionally drizzled over pancakes, waffles, and French toast for that perfect sweet start to the day. Many bakers incorporate this natural sweetener into cookies, cakes, and breads, adding both moisture and distinctive flavor to their creations. Beyond its classic breakfast applications, maple syrup has evolved into a versatile ingredient in savory dishes too, often used to glaze meats like ham or salmon, creating a delicious caramelized exterior. Creative chefs now add maple syrup to salad dressings, vegetable dishes, and marinades, balancing the natural sweetness with tangy or savory components. The wellness community has embraced maple syrup as a natural alternative to refined sugar, utilizing it in homemade granola, energy bars, and even certain beauty products. Mixologists have joined the maple trend by incorporating the syrup into cocktails and specialty coffee drinks, offering a sophisticated sweetness that complements spirits beautifully.
Maple-Inspired Holiday Recipes
Maple Glazed Ham stands as a centerpiece worthy of any holiday table, with the syrup creating a sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking. Maple Pecan Pie receives a special upgrade from standard versions when pure maple syrup replaces corn syrup, resulting in a more complex, rich flavor profile that guests will remember. Maple Roasted Winter Vegetables transform ordinary side dishes into extraordinary accompaniments, with carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts caramelizing to perfection under a maple coating. Cozy Maple Cinnamon Rolls make an irresistible breakfast option for holiday mornings, featuring maple both in the filling and glaze for double the flavor impact. Maple Butter becomes an instant favorite when served alongside warm dinner rolls or cornbread, requiring just two ingredients—butter and maple syrup—whipped together until fluffy. Festive Maple Cocktails add sophistication to holiday gatherings, with maple old fashioneds and maple whiskey sours being particularly popular options. Maple Fudge offers a delightful handmade gift option, combining maple syrup with butter, cream, and a touch of vanilla for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that showcases this iconic winter flavor.
National Sangria Day: Festive Holiday Drinks
While National Sangria Day isn’t officially recognized in December according to major food holiday calendars for 2025, we can still celebrate this refreshing beverage during the festive season alongside other established food holidays.
Winter Sangria Recipes
Traditional sangria gets a cozy makeover during the winter months with seasonal ingredients that complement the holiday atmosphere. Red wine sangria transforms beautifully with the addition of cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves for warming spice notes. Fresh winter fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and apples create a festive appearance while infusing the drink with seasonal flavors. White wine versions benefit from pears, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for an elegant twist on the summer classic. Sparkling sangrias made with prosecco or champagne offer a celebratory option perfect for holiday gatherings. Brandy, apple cider, or spiced rum can enhance the complexity of winter sangrias, creating richer flavor profiles suited for cold weather enjoyment.
Food Pairings for Holiday Sangria
Holiday sangria complements many seasonal dishes, making it versatile for December celebrations. Spanish-inspired tapas like manchego cheese, olives, and chorizo honor sangria’s origins while providing savory contrast to the fruity drink. Charcuterie boards featuring dried fruits, nuts, and various cheeses create an effortless entertaining option that pairs wonderfully with most sangria variations. Seafood dishes, particularly those with citrus elements, match well with white wine sangrias. Hearty winter meals featuring roasted meats benefit from robust red wine sangrias with deeper flavor profiles. Sweet treats that echo sangria’s fruit components—like apple tarts or cranberry desserts—create harmonious flavor combinations. Consider serving sangria alongside established December food holidays like National Chocolate Covered Anything Day (December 16th) or National Hard Candy Day (December 19th) for creative holiday menu planning.
Celebrating Christmas Food Traditions Around the World
December truly stands as a month of culinary celebration beyond the traditional holiday feasts. From the sweet indulgence of National Cookie Day to the festive bubbles of National Champagne Day these food holidays offer endless opportunities to create memorable moments.
We hope this guide inspires you to mark your calendars and participate in these delicious celebrations. Whether you’re baking gingerbread houses with family experimenting with winter sangria recipes or enjoying maple-infused treats there’s something for every food lover this month.
Don’t forget to share your food holiday adventures on social media and tag your favorite local eateries. Let’s make this December deliciously unforgettable as we embrace these special culinary moments that bring warmth and joy to the winter season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Cookie Day, and how can I celebrate it?
National Cookie Day falls on December 4th. Celebrate by baking your favorite cookies, hosting a cookie swap with friends, or visiting local bakeries for special promotions. It’s the perfect opportunity to try new recipes like classic Chocolate Chip, decorative Sugar Cookies, or healthier options like Oatmeal Raisin. This tradition dates back to 7th century Persia, though it was officially recognized in 1987.
What’s the history behind National Brownie Day?
National Brownie Day is celebrated on December 8th. Brownies originated at Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel in 1893 and have since become an American household staple. The rich, fudgy treat has evolved with countless variations including holiday-themed options like peppermint brownies, salted caramel brownies, and eggnog brownies that add festive flavor to winter celebrations.
How can I make the perfect gingerbread house?
For a perfect gingerbread house (celebrated around December 11-12), use quality ingredients, maintain precise baking temperatures, and employ royal icing as a strong adhesive. Decorate with candies, colored icing, and themed designs. Allow pieces to cool completely before assembly, and build the structure in stages, letting each section dry before adding more. This activity adds a magical touch to holiday celebrations.
What are some ways to elevate hot chocolate for National Cocoa Day?
On National Cocoa Day (December 12th), elevate your hot chocolate by using high-quality chocolate instead of cocoa powder, adding creative toppings like homemade whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or toasted marshmallows. Adults can enjoy boozy variations with rum, bourbon, or peppermint schnapps. Focus on temperature control and proper mixing techniques for the perfect consistency.
What unique ways can maple syrup be used beyond breakfast?
Beyond breakfast (celebrated on National Maple Syrup Day, December 17th), maple syrup shines in savory dishes like Maple Glazed Ham and Maple Roasted Winter Vegetables. It elevates desserts such as Maple Pecan Pie and Maple Cinnamon Rolls. Try it in cocktails or make homemade Maple Fudge. This versatile ingredient adds depth and sweetness to countless holiday recipes.
When is National Champagne Day and how does it relate to New Year’s Eve?
National Champagne Day is on December 31st, coinciding with New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many venues offer special champagne pricing and tasting opportunities during this time. It’s the perfect occasion to explore different varieties of sparkling wines, create champagne cocktails, or simply toast to the coming year with loved ones as the clock strikes midnight.
How can I create winter sangria for holiday celebrations?
Create winter sangria with seasonal ingredients like cinnamon sticks, star anise, pomegranate seeds, apples, and pears. Use red wine as a base and add brandy or orange liqueur for depth. Let it steep overnight for best flavor. Pair with Spanish-inspired tapas or hearty winter meals for holiday gatherings. This festive drink complements other December food celebrations perfectly.
What is National Whipped Cream Day and when is it celebrated?
National Whipped Cream Day is celebrated on December 27th. It honors the fluffy, delightful topping that enhances everything from hot cocoa to pie. Celebrate by making fresh homemade whipped cream with heavy cream, a touch of sugar, and vanilla. Try flavored variations like chocolate, cinnamon, or bourbon-infused whipped cream to elevate your holiday desserts.
